Ear and lymph node...help!

[jennjenn39]

I had a mastoidectomy in 2006 on my right ear because I was having ALOT of pain. Now 3 years later, STILL pain! It is worse than before, several docs have said possible hole in eardrum, but they cannot see behind my eardrum and need an MRI. I don't have the money for it. But my right lymph node is big, ALOT bigger than the other one and its not bigger all of a sudden, its been this size daily for over a year I know. But the CONSTANT HORRIBLE ear pain is almost unbearable! I cannot take this much more. I can't sleep good, hurt all the time, lost job after job due to my issues and I am frustrated, scared and to the end of my rope. Anyone have any ideas, suggestions or can anyone help me??

[Keri11]

Hi, I am new to this site and have been reading through the posts. I understand your situation. I have had 4 mastiodectomies (some of them very hard to explain, so let's just leave it at that), in additon to other ENT related surgeries so I very well understand your pain. You need to get an MRI! I understand what it's like not to have insurance. I was a flight attendant for a long time with great insurance, but had to quit because it got to be too hard with a son, college and constant ear disease. I went for a year without insurance before I got married. That year, they just happened to find a huge cyst behind my ear that needed operated on, so I had a modified radical tympanomastiodectomy....
Since I could not tolerate the pain, I had to go to the hospital. They referred me to their hospital clinic (where doctors do their residency), and after several referalls, and several denials, I was finally helped at a major university hospital. I had to drive 3hours away, but it was worth it.
     You must get this taken care of. Hospitals should refer you to places that can help, or have payment plans or diferrent programs. You need to do some research. If you have to drive out of your town to a teaching hospital, do it. Don't wait until you have the money saved because MRI's are expensive! If you have to work out some kind of payment plan, do that and pay what you can. You need help, and are a human  being in pain and possibly a serious problem. Surely, someone in this world can help you.
     Keep me posted as to what you find out. I am going to join this community. Thanks, and go get help!!!    
Take care,    Keri

[jennjenn39]

Thank you for replying. I want and NEED an MRI, I know this will tell ALOT! It's just the money to get it. Do you know of any organizations or places that possibly work on income based or help with these types of issues? I HOPE it's not something major, but it could be. I am just 39, have 2 sons and believe it or not 2 granddaughters....they mean the world to me, I wanna be around to see them grow up. Any suggestions?

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
I am sorry for all that you have to suffer.Such type of ear pain after mastoidectomy can be due to infection or compression or damage to the nerve fibres during surgery.Moreover lympadenopathy(swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

I would suggest a FNAC and biopsy of the swollen lymph node and MRI of the area to confirm the diagnosis.Treatment depends on the same.Unfortunately it is not possibl;e to confirm the diagnosis without investigations.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted